At least 60 people have lost their lives after a boat carrying more than 100 passengers capsized on the Kainji reservoir in Niger State, North-Central Nigeria, on Tuesday.
The vessel, which departed from Tungan Sule in Malale district around 11am local time, was heading to Dugga community when tragedy struck. Officials say the passengers, mainly women and children, were on their way for a condolence visit.
According to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the accident occurred near Gausawa community in Borgu Local Government Area after the overloaded vessel struck a submerged tree stump.
“The cause was attributed to overloading and collision with a tree stump,” NSEMA confirmed in a statement to Daily Trust.
Rising Death Toll, Rescue Efforts Ongoing
Abdullahi Baba Ara, NSEMA’s Director General and Chairman of Borgu LGA, said the casualty figure continues to rise as rescue teams battle to recover missing persons.
“The death toll of the boat incident has risen to 60,” he told Reuters, adding that at least 10 survivors are in critical condition.
Community leader Sa’adu Inuwa Muhammad, the district head of Shagumi, said the boat was carrying “more than 100 people.” He confirmed that 31 bodies were recovered shortly after the accident, while others were buried in accordance with Islamic rites.
Boat accidents are tragically frequent in Nigeria’s riverine communities, particularly during the rainy season between March and October when water levels rise. Experts blame overcrowding, poor vessel maintenance, and weak enforcement of safety rules.
Just last month, more than 40 people went missing after a similar accident in Sokoto State, also linked to overloading.
As rescue operations continue in Niger State, authorities have urged communities to prioritise safety and avoid overcrowded boats.
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